Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“Before your mother’s untimely demise, I had planned for you boys to grow up together and become friends. William Pitman and Anthony Amato were always going to be connected to you.
“After your mother’s death, I had decided to forget my plans. You were going to grow up and know nothing about this business. Then, your father, who has shit for brains, allowed you to walk right into this life.
“I asked him to send you to me. I wanted to see how you would react. Again, I made the decision not to immerse you in our way, but then you had your accident.
“Not long after, I found some things out. It was then that everything changed. You deserve to have that information before you make your decision. I’ve just been waiting for the right time,” he finishes.
“What information? Sorry, Pappoús, I’m a little lost.”
“I can see this. All of this is much like this maze we’re walking through. Many twists and turns that lead us back to one thing, one place. I will do my best to unpack this for you to understand, yes?”
I nod for him to continue. These gardens always bring me a sense of peace. I take a deep breath and ready myself for what he’s about to unload on me.
“I always wanted a son. I was going to hand him my seat in Bridge Lake. I like America and the money I’ve made there has been good to my family, but it is not my home.
“Many of us original families felt this way. The founders agreed we’d leave our legacy in the hands of the next generation. However, I had four girls and not one son.
“This didn’t concern me. The families were accustomed to our old ways. I could just arrange a marriage with one of the other families. Our seat would then be secure.
“I loved Blake for your mother. They had grown up together. He and Nicky were good boys. Although it didn’t take long for me to learn your mother and Blake would never be more than friends.
“Blake had fallen for Maria’s best friend. Out of respect for your mother and Blake and, truthfully, the young woman who had Blake’s heart, I decided to find Maria a different match.”
“My father,” I seethe.
Pappoús rolls his eyes. “Nai, ilíthios o ídios.”
A laugh bursts from my lips as he confirms and calls my father stupid. It’s no secret Pappoús has always loathed my father to some degree. I’ve just never understood why.
“You see, I matched Maria with Ulysses with every intention of handing him my seat. Your father is just a greedy, stupid, jealous man. He could never get over the fact that I wanted to give my seat to Blake.
“Then Yannis Knight came to me. He was disheartened that we hadn’t merged our families. He knew it was no slight against him.
“So we agreed to match Nicky and Willow. They, too, were friends. My other two daughters were not ready for America. I spoiled them. A world outside of Greece would have eaten them. They needed to remain here.
“Although if you ask your aunts, they believe I will allow one of their sons to run Vander and Bridge Lake. Like I would leave any part of my legacy in the hands of one of those idiots.
“They kiss my ass and dangle a dagger at my back as if I cannot see them.” He pauses and looks into my eyes proudly. “I have left my treasures in the city that will belong to them. Four daughters, Tzósoua.
“Four daughters and four grandsons. You of which are the oldest. America belongs to you. All you have to do is take it.”
I stand lost in thought for a moment. I list his grandsons in my head. Me, Adrian, and Constantine. I look into my grandfather’s eyes as they light up.
“As I’ve said, I’ve been placing people in your life since you were a child. Anthony Amato is more than a friend. He’s my second grandson. Willow and Nicky’s son. Anthony Blake Knight.”
My brows shoot into my hairline as the realization hits. “Ox?”
Pappoús pats my cheek. “You see. You are my smart one. I’ve been advised that you are the best fit for my seat and Anthony is better suited to take Blake’s rule.
“However, if you decide what you learn isn’t enough to sway your decision, I have my eye on William as my successor. He is not my blood, but he’s as smart as you are. Anthony has the brains but not the necessary temperament.”
I shake my head to clear it because right now, my thoughts are reeling. He’s just said an entire mouthful and I haven’t missed the part where he’s trying to sway a decision from me.
“You’ve just said a whole lot. Yet you’ve avoided the topic of someone trying to kill you.”